MIT CAU + ZUS + URBANISTEN
New York

Newtown Creek has recently undergone a revisioning and rezoning process. However, gentrification fears and pollution hazards have complicated these efforts. In addition, Sandy has exposed the systemic vulnerability of the creek area. The proposal for Newtown creek is to create a landscape infrastructural berm that will be high enough to give access to the second floor of existing or new structures and can connect major residential districts to the river through its linear configuration. We envision a neighborhood with modernized clean, light manufacturing at the ground level, connected via the street grid to I-495; while a second level of rich landscape running through the area adding an extra elevated public circulation system. This landscape infrastructural investment – a softer version of the green line – will unlock the potentials of Newtown creek and allow for a gradual densification and mixing of uses. It addresses pollution problems on a parcel-by-parcel basis.